A striking collaboration between Ekalavya Performing Arts (EPA) and Picture Wicture Productions is soon bringing a captivating theatrical experience to the stage with ‘Deshe Bidweshe’. Directed by the creative trio Bodhisatta Sarkar, Tanumay Datta, and Biplab Kundu, the play draws inspiration from two poignant Bengali works, ‘Swadhinotar Swapno’ (Dream of Freedom) and ‘Juddhobaaj’ (Warmonger). During an absorbing discussion amid ongoing rehearsals in Whitefield, Bodhisatta Sarkar offered insights into the production’s thematic core.
The inaugural piece, ‘Swadhinotar Swapno’, explores a modern take on the life of Khudiram Basu, a revered figure in India’s independence movement and one of its earliest martyrs. With fresh perceptions blended with historical context, Bodhisatta and his team endeavor to lead audiences through a reflective journey aimed at understanding the essence of India. Through the tribulations of young Khudiram, they seek to delve into the profound questions surrounding the notion and significance of a nation-state.
Bodhisatta characterizes the second play, ‘Juddhobaaj’, as a socio-political discourse that reveals the often-romanticized, yet harrowing realities of war disguised beneath hyper-nationalistic fervor. As a seasoned 45-year-old theatre and mime practitioner, Bodhisatta encompasses various facets of conflict and its ramifications across different social ranks. ‘Juddhobaaj’ intricately merges street and proscenium theatre elements, incorporating intense pictorial stage actions synchronized with dialogues, thus transcending language barriers and ensuring that its message resonates universally.
The creative process behind ‘Deshe Bidweshe’ was somewhat unconventional, involving extensive workshops where the scripts, voices, and perspectives matured organically alongside the workshop participants. The directors consider themselves more as play designers, fostering an environment where every individual could express their views and contribute significantly to the script’s evolution. This contemporary method highlights the actor’s pivotal role in shaping the narrative.
According to Bodhisatta, working with children and young adults at EPA has unraveled potent and insightful perspectives. The team’s decision to incorporate these unique viewpoints has infused their work with a dynamic and relevant edge. Beyond the realms of traditional theatre, EPA and Picture Wicture Productions have engaged in various artistic endeavors, from mimes and pantomimes to audio plays and short films.
A fascinating aspect of ‘Deshe Bidweshe’ is its inclusion of mime— an art form close to Bodhisatta’s heart, which he learned from his father, a disciple of the esteemed artiste Yogesh Dutta. As EPA has been honing mime since 2016, Bodhisatta’s instruction and creative input in this medium have become integral to the upcoming performance.
The anticipation for ‘Deshe Bidweshe’ culminates with its two scheduled performances on January 20, available at 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm at the esteemed Jagriti Theatre, situated in Whitefield. For those eager to experience this enthralling fusion of tradition and innovation, tickets are accessible through the popular platform BookMyShow. As ‘Deshe Bidweshe’ gears up for its debut, audiences are set to embark on a powerful exploration of patriotism, ideology, and the profound implications of war on humanity.
